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Minutes after his controversial remark on migrants, blaming them for the rise in crimes in Delhi, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram made a U-turn following strong criticism from various parties.

Politicians from different parties blasted the minister for his insensitive remark earlier on Monday. Under-fire, Chidambaram was swift to issue a clarification and withdrawing his statement.

"I made a matter-of-fact reference to migration, unauthorised settlements and behaviour that is unacceptable when using the word 'migrants'. I did not refer to any state or region or language or race or religion," Chidambaram said in the afternoon.

"I am acutely conscious that every one who comes to work in Delhi is, in a sense, a migrant. I have nothing against migration or migrants, being a migrant myself. To put an end to the controversy, I withdraw my statement," he added.

Referring to the spurt in crimes, especially rapes, in Delhi Chidambaram had in the morning said, "Crime takes place because Delhi attracts a large number of migrants. There are large numbers of unauthorised colonies (in Delhi). These migrants who settle in unauthorised colonies carry a kind of behaviour which is unacceptable in any modern city. So crimes do take place."

Opposition slams Chidambaram

Reacting to Chidambaram's statement on migrants RJD chief Lalu Yadav had said, "This is a failure of Chidambaram. He is putting the blame for his failure on Bihar and UP. I have heard that Delhi chief minister was also present when he was making his statement. She too had used such language for the people of Bihar and Purvanchal. I disapprove the statement of the home minister."

Advising Chidambaram to quit as the home minister if he was unable to control the crime, BJP spokesperson S.S. Ahluwalia said, "If he is unable to do the work, he should leave the department (of home affairs). But to say that people do not understand is wrong."

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